30 Most Popular Hairstyles & Haircuts for Women

By Kaitlyn Wilson

As they say, change is as good as a holiday, and a new hairstyle is the best way to mix things up. While there is nothing wrong with a solid rotation of straight, curls, top knots and ponytails, a styled cut can drastically improve your hair game. It can be hard to keep track of all the hair trends, and deciding what cut to get can be daunting. So to help you up your mane game, we have rounded up the most popular hairstyles and haircuts for women.

Short Hairstyles for Women

Short Wavy Bob

The bob is one of the most significant hairstyle trends of late. It is the perfect combination of edgy yet pretty with just the right amount of masculinity to make it on trend. If you’re tired of the classic bob, try mixing thing up with this wavy style. Bobs and waves are a match made in hair heaven. Nothing says cool-girl chic like a touselled just rolled out of bed crop. However, if you’re still looking to turn things up, try rocking this blunt cut front fringe. It is edgy and unique without being too out there. And did we mention that it is also a super flattering style?

Blunt Cut

If you suffer from thin hair syndrome, you’ll know the struggle of wanting a cute pixie cut and leaving the salon looking like a baby-haired Draco Malfoy. Well, those dreaded days are over. A blunt cut is perfect for women with thin hair who still want to rock a shorter style. Not only are blunt cuts a great way to frame your face and accentuate your features, but they are also universally flattering, and very on trend. If you haven’t noticed, the masculine trend is on the rise, and a blunt cut in short hair is the perfect way to dive head first into the manly mania. If you want to keep a femme element, try adding a few waves throughout your hair, or rock a pair of extravagant earrings or a feminine, flowy dress.

Low Bun

Even with the chicest cut, there will still be some days when you can’t resist the messy bun. It is the bad boy of hairstyles, we know we shouldn’t do it, but its allure is just too strong. With short hair, you may find yourself struggling to achieve the messy high bun. If so, go for the low option. This may not be something you have thought of, but a low messy bun achieves the same level of simple styling as a high topknot while making your locks appear thicker too. Just gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun the same way you would if the hair was on top of your head. If you have bangs, allow them to fall freely across your face, or pull a few strands out around your face and behind your ears to create a soft, elegant style.

Short and Straight

Who says you need long locks to rock the iconic Rachel Green look? Short, straight hair with a mid part is one of the all-time greats. And it’s not going anywhere, anytime soon. Mix up the classic 90s style with a blunt bob and a platinum blonde. This cut is striking, flattering and just screams attitude. Channel your inner punk rock princess with a deep purple or red lipstick and heavy eye makeup.

Pixie Cut

Going short can be very daunting for women with thick hair. When it goes wrong, it goes very very wrong (we’ve all had those awkward bowl looking haircuts). But the key to nailing short styles with thick hair is layers and texture. Avoid blunt cuts as this style will add bulk to your hair. Instead go for a layered, textured pixie cut. The layers will take some the weight out of your luscious locks allowing them to sit and flow with ease.

Twists

A few sexy twists are a great way to breathe some life into your cropped hairstyle. Not only is this a unique look, but it will also protect your locks too. The twists require zero additional styling and will let your hair repair itself from damage sustained from heat, colouring and just the general wears and tears of life.

Bangs

Bangs are back, and short hair is here to stay, so why not combine two of the biggest hair trends from recent years? Simple and easy to style, bangs also require very little maintenance, other than the occasional trim. Bangs in short hair work particularly well as the frame your face, drawing attention to your features. This can also be a slimming style if you find your short hair is making you look a little fuller in the face. From side to front, choppy to blunt, curtain or sweeping, there are endless styling opportunities when it comes to bangs.

Short Thin Hair

From bobs to faux hawks, pixie cuts, undercuts, asymmetric styles and everything in between, short cuts were made for thin hair. That’s when they’re styled right of course. A short cut is one of the best ways to not only create the illusion of thickness but also, to allow your hair to thicken up naturally. With regular trims and less styling, your hair will become healthier. Therefore, it will begin to grow much faster and thicken up on its own over time.

Short Thick Hair

You may be hesitant to partake in the short hair trend if you are blessed with naturally thick hair. But, short styles look like magic in a thick mane. Making the chop can also be a great way to take some weight out of your locks for the summer months. Ladies with thick hair can rock anything from short pixie cuts to bobs, with choppy layers, front fridges or side sweeping bangs. The key to short, thick hair is texture. So make sure to add a few layers to keep your hair light and sitting nicely.

Short Curly Hair

If you find your long curls are weighing you down then why not make the chop? Not only will a short style make your curls more manageable, but this flirty hairstyle is ideal for summer. From pin-curled pixie cuts and bouncy bobs, the styling opportunities for short curly hair are truly versatile.

Medium Hairstyles for Women

90s Middle Part Ponytail

Channel the celebrity go-to hairstyle with this sleek middle part ponytail. This style is perfect for babes with in-between length hair. This is because medium hair is the easiest to pull back, and it sits nicer and more effortlessly in a ponytail than heavy long hair. Pull your hair into a pony in the middle of your head at the back, and don’t forget to leave two thick strands out at the front. Rock it with some quirky shades or get out your glitter and go for some 90s makeup.

Professional Hairstyles

Your hair says a lot about you and your professionalism. Super long hair is typically shared by young girls and hippies, while short hair can give off a rebellious or older impression. If you’re trying to play it safe in the professional sector, its best to stick to medium hair length.

Lob With a Knot

The top knot and the lob are made for each other. The lob is the biggest thing in hair since Princess Diana’s pageboy cut, and the top knot is the only style to rival this cool girl cut. So it only makes sense that the two should be paired together in holey-hair matrimony. The addition of a top knot will also add some extra volume if your hair is lacking in the body department.

Asymmetrical Lob

If you’re after an edgy cut but don’t want to go too short, an asymmetrical lob might be right up your alley. This A-line style is particularly flattering and not as sharp as some other asymmetric styles. Meaning, it is easier to grow out and can still be worn in a pony if you have hair regrets. But, we don’t think you’ll have anything to worry about with this uber cool and on-trend style.

Deep Side Part

A deep side part is a great way to give the classic lob a trendy new take. While the lob itself is still very much a hit style, you can update your look by simply styling your hair into a deep side part and flicking one side over. This sleek and sophisticated style works equally as well for casual days as it does for formal outings.

Vintage Curls

Long hair has a reputation for being sexy, but don’t discount the sex appeal of medium-length locks. Marilyn Monroe certainly proved that with her bouncy mid-length curls. Style your locks using a thick curling wand, keeping the stands flat as you wrap them around the curler. Brush your hair out to create voluminous waves and style to one side.

Lob

We cannot forget the iconic lob. The lob has soared to popularity because of its laid back and easy nature. It requires almost zero styling yet offers endless styling opportunities. It is trendy yet timeless, mature yet youthful and can still be easily pulled back for lazy days.

Long Hairstyles for Women

French Braids

Get your long locks off your face with a pair of beautiful French Braids. This fierce look is certainly having its moment in the sun. So why not take advantage of a style that looks chic and lets you get stuff done. Rock your braids from the gym to the club, the shops and even to sleep, the French braid is versatile, stylish and easy, once you’ve mastered it.

Updo

Don’t shy away from updos just because of your long flowing mane. An up style is well worth the extra time and effort. Set your hair with hot rollers so that curls hold firmly in place, pull them and pin back as you like. From low rolled buns to curled up styles you can have the prom hairstyle of dreams, no matter how long your locks.

Half Up Half Down

If an updo isn’t really your vibe, you can always rock a half up half down style. The top knot or half bun is the obvious choice for many reasons. One is that it looks cute and two, its an easy style for long-haired women. This style can be worn dressy or casual and is also a great way to make it an extra day between washes.

Straight Long Hair

Sometimes you just have to keep it simple, and there is nothing chicer than smooth straight locks. To achieve this divine look, firstly you’ll want to apply a hair mask to tame any split ends or flyaways. Dry your hair thoroughly and in sections using a flat brush. Straighten your locks in sections while combing them through at the same time. Run a small amount of anti-frizz through your mid-lengths and ends and set using a small amount of hairspray, to add a slight sheen.

Senegalese Twists

Senegalese twists are a great option if you’re on the hunt for a protective style which is still fun and flirty for summer. These rope-like twists work well with long hair extensions, for a trendy and chic look.

Waterfall Braids

Waterfall braids are not only one of the most stunning styles in long hair, but they’re also one of the easiest to achieve. This feminine look is perfect to adorn with pretty clips and headwear for spring or to try out for summer weddings. It is also a sneaky way to style your hair when you’re in between washes.

Box Braids

Braids and long hair are the perfect pair. They keep your long strands out of your face while protecting them from heat and styling damage all while looking chic. But if you’re tired of the standard french braids, why not go for a cool box braid instead?

Undercut

An undercut is a great way to edge up your look without losing too much length. You can undercut your hair at the back or the sides, but we recommend one side. This badass yet feminine look features hair which is shaved at one side with remaining length flicked over in the opposite direction.

Fishtail Braids

Another update on a standard braid, the fishtail is stunning and surprisingly easy. First, separate your hair into two even sections. Take a small piece, about half an inch wide form the outside part and pull it over to meet the inside of the opposing section. Repeat this process on the other side and continue to complete your fishtail braid.

Inverted Bob

Just because you have long locks doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun of the inverted bob. This is a super sexy style which works just as well in short hair as it does in long hair. The short part at the back of your head will add volume and natural movement while the long front section will provide more styling opportunities.